Sure you know maple and oak. But how about sonokeling or tanguile? From eyeglass frames to wallpaper, these fabulous home accessories all stem from exotic woods.
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Tanguile Mirror
A lightweight wood that's popular for boats and canoes. No wonder this mirror appears to float on the wall.
Madena Mirror, 24" diameter, $840. Made Goods through Calypso Home: 212-925-6200.
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Lara Robby/Studio D
ACACIA
This tropical hardwood has been used for thousands of years, but doesn't it look modern mixed with metal?
FIG LEAF SERVING BOWL WITH MESH LID, 11 1/2" DIA, $195. MICHAEL ARAM: .
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Lara Robby/Studio D
AFZELIA
A richly marbled wood from Southeast Asia, hand-turned to a smooth finish.
AFZELIA CLICK PEN, $24. WOOD AND GLASS: .
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Lara Robby/Studio D
iWood iPod Case
Padouk, a reddish African wood, adds a dose of warmth to a cool, digital world. $84. Miniot: .
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Lara Robby/Studio D
BANANA BARK
Papery layers of fiber are wrapped around beads and laminated for a naturally glamorous look.
PALMYRA TIEBACK, TO THE TRADE. LORI WEITZNER FOR SAMUEL & SONS: 212-704-8000; .
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Lara Robby/Studio D
SHISHAM
Definitely a wood to watch — we're seeing it everywhere. The high-contrast grain lends drama to even a simple chair.
CHESTER CHAIR, $950. MADE GOODS THROUGH MECOX: 631-287-5015; .
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Lara Robby/Studio D
OLIVEWOOD
Textured and dense, this Mediterranean staple looks chic in a dark finish.
BELMONT FRAME, FROM $33/FOOT. LARSON-JUHL: 800-886-6126; .
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Lara Robby/Studio D
KIRI
From Japan, it's light in color and weight — this trivet is just a few ounces — yet it's also sturdy.
Small smoked Kiri wood trivet, approximately 4" diameter, $12. Portland Japanese Garden Gift Store: 503-223-5055; .
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Lara Robby/Studio D
COCOBOLO
The ruddy hardwood from Central America is made even stronger when infused with resin.
